Ighalo could fire Newcastle to safety on one condition after Sky transfer update – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Odion Ighalo could fire Newcastle United out of the relegation zone if he can prove his fitness and hunger.
However, the former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 32-year-old may struggle with a lack of sharpness if he returns to the Premier League.
According to Sky Sports last Friday, (24 December), Ighalo is one striker on the radar of Newcastle ahead of the winter transfer window.
The report claims the Nigerian hitman would “seriously consider” a move to the Magpies if a deal materialised with current club Al Shabab.
Whelan raised questions about Ighalo’s hunger and desire to take part in a relegation dogfight.
“He’s one of these players who has been out of the picture in terms of Premier League football for a number of years now,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Even at Man United, he did ok – but it wasn’t a very long stint. We don’t know where he is in terms of fitness, sharpness, hunger, or desire.
“I think a lot of people have forgotten about him because he hasn’t been playing at the top level.
“Even with the spell at Man United – is he still the player he once was? Is he the player who is going to get Newcastle out of the bottom three?
“We don’t know that, but it’s not going to be a very mouth-watering prospect for Newcastle fans.”
Ighalo failed to score a Premier League goal in his spell with Man United.
The Nigeria international has netted 10 goals in 14 games in the Saudi Professional League this season.
In other news, we have a significant update on Newcastle signing Dele Alli after an update from two sources.